Wellness checkups are a key to long life

Many of my Baby Boomer friends seem to be the picture of good health – they eat right and exercise often. In fact, they are so healthy that they take pride in never seeing a physician.

This is a terrible mistake. With each passing year, regular medical checkups are the cornerstone of good health – in fact, the healthier you are, the more vigilant you must be about seeing your doctor.

The Federal Government has placed a greater emphasis on preventative health, expanding Medicare’s “Wellness Visit” from a one-time offer to an annual check up. In order to take full advantage of this new benefit, it is vitally important that everyone understand what should be expected in an annual medical exam.

First, in order to be considered a “wellness checkup” you should state that the purpose of the visit is for general health and that you have no major new complaints or medical problems. If, for example, you see the doctor because of sudden onset of severe pain in the back and ask that you have the wellness visit at the same time, some insurance may decline the claim. Simply put, do not wait until you are sick to have your annual physical.

As a general rule the annual physical should take about 30 to 40 minutes either with your doctor, or, as in the case of Medicare, by other health care providers such as physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, clinical psychologists and clinical social workers. Health educators, dietitians and nutrition specialists working under the supervision of a physician can also be involved.

Your doctor should carefully evaluate all your chronic medical conditions, which may include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or arthritis. Medications should be documented and analyzed, as should medical problems, surgeries and any hospital admissions you may have had in the past.

The physician should also assess your family history including: are your parents still alive? If not, what was the cause of death? Do have brothers and sisters and are they healthy? How many children do you have? Are your children healthy? Is there a family history of diabetes, cancer, heart disease or memory?

To be complete, you should discuss every element of your life. Tell your physician about the important people in your life, how you perceive the role of faith and spirituality, and what kinds of habits you keep. Always discuss your health habits, including any fitness routines, your average diet, whether you smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol and if you are sexually active.

You should also be asked to complete what is called “a review of systems” that asks of you have problems related to the various organ systems, such as shortness of breath, chest pain or palpitations that may indicate heart disease.

Every examination should include a measurement of height, weight and blood pressure as well as an assessment of cognitive function. Your physician should conduct a careful examination of the head and neck, heart, lungs, abdomen and extremities. Digital rectal examinations in men and pelvic exams in women may be needed.

Medicare and other insurance policies also pay for screening tests approved by the United States Preventative Services Task force (USPSTF). This includes blood tests for elevated cholesterol, diabetes and prostate cancer screening. Mammograms, colonoscopies, ultrasounds to detect aortic aneurysms, and a bone density test to screen for osteoporosis are also included.

Depending on the clinical situation, nutrition counseling is also covered. However, many of these tests are not covered annually and follow the time frame recommended by the USPSTF.

Anyone who seeks to live a long, healthy and independent life must place a high priority on preventative and wellness care. As such, getting your annual physical should be a top New Year’s Resolution. Find a physician you trust and like. As an empowered patient, you can ensure optimal care. Think of it as a regular oil and grease – assuring your body will run smoothly to age 90 and beyond.

Dr. David Lipschitz is the medical director for the Mruk Family Education Center on Aging and the Fairlamb Senior Health Clinic. Contact him at askdrdavid@gmail.com.